Zane Gustafson

Nick Messenger conducts applied microeconomic and econometric research into local economic development strategies, tax and industrial policy, and energy economics. He specializes in geographic and econometric modeling with large datasets to statistically evaluate the real impacts of policy changes on community prosperity. Nick earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics from The Ohio State University, and his research has been presented at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the North American Regional Science Conference, and the Southern Regional Science Association Annual Conference. His work has also been featured in national media outlets, including NPR, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Hill.

Publications

Environment

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July 27, 2026

A Deep Dive into Clean-Seas: Rough Waters for Belle Plastics Pyrolysis Facility

Challenging finances & operational delays have hounded Clean-Seas West Virginia as the DEP weighs permitting for its plastics pyrolysis plant in Belle.
Energy

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July 22, 2026

Investing in Pennsylvania’s Future: RISE PA’s Awards Could Support More Than 1,700 Job-Years for Workers

Pennsylvania’s RISE PA decarbonization program is proving that cutting carbon emissions can spur economic growth.
Community

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July 21, 2026

How Allegheny County’s paid parental leave policy could kickstart economic growth

Allegheny County’s paid parental leave proposal could grow jobs & wages, curb population loss, support small businesses, and ease labor shortages in critical sectors.
Energy

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July 21, 2026

The Methanol Industry at a Crossroads

Global market volatility and underdeveloped supply chains could complicate the methanol industry’s massive North American buildout plans.

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July 16, 2026

The Big Bust: 2026 Data Show Petrochemicals Have Been a Bad Deal for Beaver County

Beaver County, Pennsylvania is a real-time case study in the local economic impacts of petrochemical development.
Energy

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July 16, 2026

Gridlocked

A West Virginia utility’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) demonstrates the need for a more flexible electric grid.

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July 8, 2026

Beaver County Data Analysis: 2026 Update

More than three years since Shell’s launch, Beaver County continues to trail neighboring counties, Pennsylvania, and the nation in key measures of economic wellbeing.
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